Book Review: The Twistrose Key

Welcome to Sylver, a winter wonderland where animals exist in the afterlife. The award-winning novel starts with 11-year-old Lin mourning the loss of her beloved pet vole, Rufus. A series of events soon led her to discover the frozen realm hidden behind the cellar door, and Lin was once again reunited with Rufus. However, the world is on the brink of destruction, and it is up to Lin and Rufus to find Isvan, the missing boy with the power to save the land. This magical tale will leave children spellbound with the importance of love and friendship.

Use the book:

• Talk about feelings of longing to reverse the loss of a pet • Explain the importance of taking care of a pet and moving on when it’s gone • Plan the next vacation together to a place with snow like Sylver

Author Talk: Tone Almhjell

Why children’s books?

I was an avid reader as a child. Besides, if you read the right book at the right age, you’ll fall in love and carry that book with you forever, or even better: You’ll be a reader for life. Children’s books unlock thousands of worlds. It’s magical and incredibly important so I try my best to do the task justice.

How about The Twistrose Key in particular?

It was the death of my sweet, beloved gerbil. That Christmas, I decided to make an advent calendar for my sister. The story grew from there into the dark, tangled fantasy that is The Twistrose Key.

How important do you think kids need to enjoy reading in this digital age?

The digital age can feel too fractured and impatient, as if no one has the time to sit down and read a book anymore. As for storytelling, I don’t think we’re lost. Children need stories because people need stories. We need them for empathy, for learning, and for hope.

How do you encourage your kids to read?

For storytime, both my five-year-old boy and two-year-old girl will pick a book each and I’ll add in a third that is new or unexpected. Sometimes I choose chapter books, even if they seem too complicated for my youngest. She may not be able to follow the storylines, but she likes listening to my voice, and loves being included.

What do you hope your audience can get out of this book?

Adventure! Hope! Thrills! Comfort, even, for anyone who has ever loved and lost an animal.

Care to share with us your best parenting advice?

I think no two children are alike, and that most parents really try their best. My advice is: Listen, both to yourself and to your kids. And then you find your own way.